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10 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,100 a Month (or Less)

Live comfortably for less by embracing Southern life.

charleston south carolina usa
Updated Oct. 1, 2025
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If you're looking to stretch your retirement savings further, consider heading South. Southern states see millions of temporary residents every winter, with snowbirds enjoying the warmer climate. Data from FinanceBuzz shows that making the move more permanent could save you money on monthly living expenses, including rent.

Each of these 10 cities has homes or apartments to rent for $1,100 or less, freeing up money to enjoy your retirement to its fullest.

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Beaumont, TX

gchapel/Adobe view of beaumont texas cityscape

Median monthly rent: $1,100

Known as a boomtown thanks to the oil rush in the early 20th century, today, Beaumont locals enjoy a slower pace of life. You can enjoy Texas without the hustle of big cities like Houston.

Daily groceries and dining out are much cheaper than in pricier southern cities like Naples, Florida. Plus, Beaumont has much to offer retirees, with diverse communities and numerous cultural attractions to explore, including the Texas Energy Museum and the historic McFaddin-Ward House.

Baton Rouge, LA

Matt Gush/Adobe baton rouge louisiana usa

Median monthly rent: $1,100

History, culture, and incredible cuisine are just some of the reasons to move to Baton Rouge. You'll be in the heart of Mardi Gras each year and will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the country. For your peace of mind, health care is excellent here, with numerous large medical centers and hospitals.

Statistics indicate that residents in Baton Rouge have greater purchasing power. So, you'll spend less on most groceries, local taxis, and even gas.

Roanoke, VA

Anett/Adobe roanoke virginia usa skyline

Median monthly rent: $1,087

Mountain views, parks, and nature all await retirees in Roanoke. Whether you're into outdoor activities or enjoying restaurants and nightlife, this small yet vibrant city has it all.

As well as being affordable for rent, groceries, and public transport, existing residents love the city, saying it's a place where people of all ages can "...truly thrive."

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Tulsa, OK

Matt Gush/Adobe historic buildings of downtown tulsa

Median monthly rent: $1,075

The second-largest city in Oklahoma is a surprisingly affordable destination for retirees. Lower-than-average rent and grocery costs combine with cheaper gas and public transport fares for serious savings.

Tulsa also offers beautiful seasons and a generous dose of Southern hospitality, so you'll likely make positive new connections among its diverse communities.

Yuma, AZ

Matt Gush/Adobe cityscape of yuma arizona

Median monthly rent: $1,055

Known as a top snowbird destination, Yuma has plenty to offer. Its historic downtown area is walkable and beautiful, while the nearby Colorado River offers a range of activities, from fishing to kayaking.

Daily essentials are cheaper than average across the board, although you may pay a little more if you still smoke cigarettes or enjoy an imported beer.

Greenville, NC

Chad Robertson/Adobe greenville arts district

Median monthly rent: $1,042

Traditional Southern charm joyfully collides with modern urban living in Greenville, North Carolina. More peaceful than nearby Durham or Raleigh, Greenville is known for its affordable yet high-quality of life.

Greenville has been rated as one of the best places to live in the U.S., with many people relocating here not only for the culture but also for the mild winters.

Jackson, MS

Christopher Boswell/Adobe jackson mississippi usa

Median monthly rent: $1,023

Want to live near a petrified forest or a stunning reservoir with waterfalls? Jackson could be your perfect retirement destination. Known as the City with Soul, Jackson offers nature, history, and an appealing subtropical climate.

Monthly essentials are less expensive here than in larger Southern cities. When combined with the low rent costs, this could make retirement in this warm and welcoming spot more than affordable.

Spartanburg, SC

Kevin Ruck/Adobe main street drone panorama of spartanburg

Median monthly rent: $1,006

Known as one of the best places to live in South Carolina, Spartanburg offers walkable, tree-lined streets, stunning parks, and a thriving cultural district. Catch a concert at the Lakeside Amphitheater, or adventure into the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

Excellent public transport and affordable amenities make this city even more appealing. One resident commented that living here is "...both grounding and transformational."

Rome, GA

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe georgia usa downtown historic cityscape

Median monthly rent: $993

The first city on this list to drop rent under the $1,000 mark, Rome, Georgia, is significantly cheaper to live in than larger Southern cities. Despite this, the city has excellent health care facilities, making it a top draw for retirees.

Although it's built on seven hills like its namesake, downtown Rome is surprisingly walkable and packed with places of historical interest. Rome is also quiet, tucked away from larger cities, so it's ideal for those seeking some peace in retirement.

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Owensboro, KY

Travis/Adobe view of owensboro community college

Median monthly rent: $883

The lowest rent costs on this list are in Owensboro, a Kentucky town characterized by stunning river views, an easy-to-navigate downtown area, and the scent of delicious barbecue in the air.

Owensboro offers overall reduced costs, from groceries to dining out. Residents love the sense of community here, so you could create some meaningful new relationships in your golden years.

Bottom line

Dennis/Adobe coffee on the porch watching sunrise

Experiencing Southern charm every day doesn't have to be a dream — and moving to one of these beautiful cities could be the key to a more comfortable retirement. Saving money on rent means you can explore your hobbies and passions, and spend more time with friends and family.

Stats show that despite a decline in domestic migration, those who are still moving are shifting south. Hundreds of thousands moved to states like Florida and Texas in recent years. So, if you do decide to retire in the South, you'll likely find thriving retirement communities waiting for you.

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